The global economy is a perpetual motion machine, but U.S. stock markets do take breaks: In addition to the weekends, there are nine holidays on which the stock exchange is shuttered. Here's the list for 2013, as well as the surprising history of Presidents Day.

As 2012 and the Mayan calendar wind down to their final days, we offer you a few of our favorite pieces of end-of-the-world trivia. Whether you think the world will with a bang, a whimper, or a horde of zombies, take a peek -- and test your apocalyptic bona fides.

As we prepare to celebrate our nation's independence, let's take a moment to think about our individual declarations of financial independence. If you're still ruled by debt, fiscal confusion, and reliance on others, here are a few tips for breaking free.

There's never a dull moment on Wall Street -- but if you're ever going to find one that's close, it'll be during a week like this one. Let's go over some of the items that will help shape the Independence Day-shortened trading week ahead.

If you're considering declaring yourself independent of municipal fireworks displays this weekend and sending up a few red, glaring rockets of your own, question number two on your mind should be "How can I get the most bang for my buck?" We've consulted with the fireworks pros for advice.

Making the rockets red glare and bombs burst in air isn't cheap. Fourth of July celebrations can cost anywhere from $10,000 to several million dollars. Find out where the most awe-inspiring (and most expensive) fireworks displays can be seen.

Across the U.S., lots of Americans won't see the rockets red glare or the bombs burst in air this year. That's because their towns can no longer afford to celebrate the anniversary of our nation's independence with the typical fireworks display.